The Russian | ExpatWoman.com
 

The Russian

The Russian
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Latest post on 13 October 2012 - 15:48
It seems that the replies below have all been quite positive. My experience: I hired a full-time live-in through Howdra who was dreadful. Changed her for a new girl after 1 week. The new girl was dreadful as well - barely lasted a month. [b'>No training, no motivation, and in both cases I was not entirely sure how stable they were[/b'>. Terminated the whole contract early, lost money but was relieved not to be associated with the company anymore. Maybe I was unlucky both times, but just be sure you are totally happy with whoever you interview before you hire them. The company may make you feel rushed so you think you have to take the best of a bad lot, but don't get pushed into hiring someone who is not right for your family. It's tough - good luck. Solaris, it almost sounds like we had the same maid from Howdra... the lady I got as a replacement though seems quite alright (fingers crossed) but yes I fully agree, make sure you interview them thoroughly before you take the decision. As for working hours, the contract does say it shouldn't exceed 8 hrs a day but it also says 'overtime is approx 10 dhs an hour", so it's easily manageable with a little extra you'd have to pay. I can understand though why they are 'strict' about the working hours, considering what they are getting from the agency as their salary...
The Russian
330
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Latest post on 09 October 2012 - 20:55
Kids' Cottage is a sister nursery to Willows, don't know if you've found a place yet but if not, I can highly recommend them... they should definitely have spaces for 26 months old, my DD is same age and their class is very small. And they have a great teacher by the way - can't be happier! Surprised to hear it's difficult to get in touch with them, I call regularly and they always pick up the phone. It's really worth checking out, a lovely nursery
The Russian
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Latest post on 01 October 2012 - 17:56
I am friendly with my maid because a) it's in my nature to be friendly. I hear you OP and I also got same advice re keeping distance to avoid the maid getting too 'cosy', and it is probably applicable to a lot of maids, but I still think it is fundamentally wrong not to be nice to someone for the reason of being afraid she might end up taking advantage of that. b) I find it hard to keep distance and maintain that pure professional relationship with a person who lives in my house and more importantly, is supposed to take care of my kids. I want her to be happy to the extent possible, to feel comfortable at our home, to make sure her needs are met, and I also want her to be friendly in return. So I greet her in the mornings, ask her if she slept well, if she had time to make her food, if there is anything she needs. She is friendly with the children, chats to them sometimes asking how their day was, smiles, small things like that. That being said, I did make it very clear during the interview as to what I expect from her in terms of work and attitude, asked her about her expectations and also asked her what it is that makes her feel comfortable and stay positive. I do want to avoid the risk of her getting too familiar so there were a few firm rules put in place and as long as those are followed, we should - hopefully - be fine! <em>edited by The Russian on 01/10/2012</em>
The Russian
330
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 01 October 2012 - 17:10
We were choosing between these two agencies and decided to go with Howdra because their maids get 1000 aed salary whereas in Explorer they pay "from 800 to 1200 aed depending on qualifications". I asked Explorer if they had a maid with higher qualifications hence higher pay available and never got a reply. As for Howdra, I struggled with the first maid we got and it took them a long time to replace her, communication was quite poor, but the new maid seems to tick a lot of boxes (touch wood) so I guess I shouldn't be complaining. Flower_girl, I thought they provide one replacement only - how did you manage to get four??
The Russian
330
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Latest post on 01 October 2012 - 15:59
Have a few frames where glass tops have been broken - can anyone please advise where I can have them made? Preferably not too far from Jumeirah area? Thanks in advance!
The Russian
330
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 24 September 2012 - 15:43
Forgot to mention - if you'll be looking at Jumeirah, there are plenty of agents and some are to be avoided at all costs! From my experience, Sara (Brix) and Aida (sorry don't remember the name of the agency) are reliable. Some compounds (like Sidra) prefer to work directly with the tenants though.
The Russian
330
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 24 September 2012 - 15:33
We live in Jumeirah 2 and DH works in Hamriya Free Zone which is all the way through Sharjah, you actually have to pass another emirate on the way. Takes him one hour to get home and it was only a few times he had delays because of the traffic (when there were accidents on the roads). You go against the traffic so there are no major issues - it's just the distance :) We love where we are staying, like other posters said, it's very close to other parts of Dubai, we have beach right across the road, beautiful parks nearby and more importantly, plenty of nurseries and schools around to choose from. As for the social part, I believe it is a bit easier indeed in bigger communities with lots of children's play areas. We don't have one in our compound but once it cools down a bit we'll start going to the parks and there are plenty of kids down there. Also you will make friends from schools/nurseries, playdates, through your husband's work maybe - it might take a little longer but you'll definitely get there. I think the biggest compounds in Jumeirah are Sidra (they actually do have a playground and a great pool) and Al Manara villages, but if you don't mind staying in a 8-12 villa compound, there is enough to choose from. HTH
The Russian
330
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 24 September 2012 - 14:58
send me you phone number on and i'll give you a call <em>edited by The Russian on 24/09/2012</em>
The Russian
330
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 24 September 2012 - 09:58
thank you
The Russian
330
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 24 September 2012 - 09:16
Just in case anyone is planning to interview a maid named Nancy from Howdra as a full-time live-in helper - feel free to contact me for feedback on her previous work.
The Russian
330
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 18 September 2012 - 19:39
Thank you so-so-so much!!! It's really mega important for me - and I think the agency employee actually mentioned the name Alexis! But Louisedvs, if it's not too much trouble - please let me know if your friend's maid matches the description, just in case :-) I'm on the verge of a nervous breakdown because of the one we have now and just have to make sure same story doesn't repeat again. Thanks a million!!!
The Russian
330
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 13 September 2012 - 14:38
Thanks Cap1tal!
The Russian
330
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 13 September 2012 - 14:36
Thanks Suze, that could be one way to go about it indeed. Do you by any chance happen to know what kind of gross compensation we are talking about in this industry? Lets say for a senior consultant level?
The Russian
330
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 13 September 2012 - 14:20
gentle bump
The Russian
330
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 13 September 2012 - 11:04
Sounds great - best of luck! :)
The Russian
330
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 12 September 2012 - 21:05
Would be great to have more bikini choice down here, although I agree with SM - very difficult to buy this stuff online (love the body shape idea though!). Unless you let customers pick a few models/sizes from your site and then they try on and send the ones that don't fit back with the same driver...
The Russian
330
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 12 September 2012 - 13:57
Sorry cannot recommend an agency as never used one here but in terms of age, my son was about 6 months when we first left him with a nanny and my daughter was even younger, 3 months maybe? Just for a couple of hours every now and then and the same person each time.
The Russian
330
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 11 September 2012 - 22:19
Their customer service doesn't seem to be a highlight of the place indeed, however if it's not in their policy to replace a drink that had been ruined without any fault of their own, I don't think it's worth getting into an argument about (doesn't matter whether it's with her or with her manager).
The Russian
330
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 11 September 2012 - 21:55
The legal age for children to be in school is when they turn 5 (so FS2, or KG1 with the American schools) Hi SEY83, got a bit confused with the legal age - do you mean the year they turn 5 or they should already have turned 5 by Sept 1st (if we are talking BC)?
The Russian
330
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 11 September 2012 - 14:12
We took a 1.5 year old and a 3+ year old and they did like it, a really nice show. However, there was also a 30 mins magician show before the dolphins, something that came as a surprise to us and not a very pleasant one - I think older kids (like 8+ old) would probably enjoy it but ours didn't really get it and by the time dolphins & seals came out, our youngest got quite restless. You know what kind of attention span they have at that age and those 45 mins extra in the beginning made a big difference. Don't know if the magician is still performing though, but you might want to check it beforehand.
The Russian
330
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 09 September 2012 - 18:59
those expensive bags, shoes, glasses, dress? Or would you prefer to budget yourself when it comes to those items :) I'm not tempted for two main reasons: first, for the last few years my outings are largely limited to nursery runs/supermarket shopping/play dates and for special occasions I still have a nice stock of designer clothes/shoes from old times; and second, I used to live in Italy a while ago and I remember my shock seeing a pair of Ferragamo shoes for 32 euros in one of the fashion outlets - exactly the pair of classic beige shoes I got on sale for 250 a year before! I don't think I paid a full price for a designer item ever since - especially in places like Moscow or Dubai where all this stuff is ridiculously overpriced. I do like designer accessories (bags, shoes, sunglasses, belts) but only get them on big sales or in outlets.
The Russian
330
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 09 September 2012 - 18:47
Congrats - and definitely very helpful to me, thanks for all :-)
The Russian
330
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 06 September 2012 - 17:55
and by the way, I also use Bodyshop Ginger Anti dandruff shampoo - for the past couple of years by now, works great for me.
The Russian
330
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 06 September 2012 - 17:54
apologies to the OP if this is slightly off topic, wanted to ask The Russian, were you able to achieve normal growth after treatment? From what you have written here, it seems I suffered the same when I was around 12 years old, the dandruff is gone now, or at least stays at bay as long as i continue using a particular shampoo for it, but my hair has never gone back to how it used to be,. Is there anything that worked for you to get the hair that you used to have? Hi lilypad, well yes, my hair grew really fast during the next months BUT I got pregnant shortly after I started it so I am not sure what attributed more to the hair growth! Sorry if I can't be much help here. I can tell you what I used though - took vitamins A&E, iron, and some others which I don't remember (it was five years ago), and I had red pepper tincture & Vichy anti hair loss treatment for topical use. I've heard mesotherapy for hair works wonders but I never got to try it myself...
The Russian
330
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 06 September 2012 - 15:16
Cheezu, have you seen a dermatologist? I don't mean to scare you but I had a similar problem a few years ago and it turned into a disaster. My hair started falling out, I got some serums that were supposed to help, my hair kept falling AND I got dandruff as well, started using anti-dandruff shampoos & serums and ended up with a seborrhea - by the time I finally stepped into a dermatologist's office, my scalp was literally covered by crust (which the doctor called a "cardinal's hat"...). I'll spare you the details of the treatment process, but I did lose a lot of hair going through with it and it was terrible. Like other posters said, it's very individual - and your hair is definitely not something to experiment with... dandruff is ultimately a dermatological issue and the sooner you see a professional, the better!
The Russian
330
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 05 September 2012 - 14:49
Chocs01, it's our first summer here (in fact, we just came back after two months) and was led to believe everyone has been hiding indoors more or less 24/7 ;) thanks ladies - then beach it is!
The Russian
330
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Latest post on 05 September 2012 - 14:25
Hi all, was thinking of trying the beach tonight - around 6pm maybe - as it doesn't really feel THAT bad these days... has anyone been? Is it unbearable or can one actually enjoy chilling there as the sun goes down?
The Russian
330
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 01 September 2012 - 21:19
If you take the Beach road towards Abu Dhabi, turn right just after the Sunset Mall (it's the end of Jumeirah 3) - there's a great beach there, very quiet even on weekends. No facilities but hardly any people either :)
The Russian
330
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 30 June 2012 - 21:10
Sorry can't tell you if one can get it here but I did try to use it a few years ago and it was a disaster to my skin, it got so dry it was peeling off all over my face (even though I used it for a tiny spot). Plus, think of having to use SPF 50 all the time - the skin gets so sensitive any sun exposure will just provoke further pigmentation...
The Russian
330
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 24 June 2012 - 22:32
Hes ranging 102-103 right now so its got to be a bit on the bad side. Hes usually never ill so its really unliked him! Anyway hopefully hes better soon I have a nursery to put together! Ouch! That is quite bad. Lots of TLC, chicken broth and strong black tea with raspberry jam (helps to sweat it out), should get better in a couple of days. Good luck to you both xx
The Russian
330
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 24 June 2012 - 22:15
No, it's not. It's exactly like ours. They are just wusses!! ;-) Seriously though, feel sorry for your DH and wishing him soonest recovery, it's just that for some reason for a vast majority of men that I know, a sneeze is a sign of a life threatening virus awaiting to strike them and a fever above 37.5 means three days in bed. Beats me!
The Russian
330
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Latest post on 23 June 2012 - 09:52
we are not living there but i think i remember seeing some threads about beach access/LL issues in the shoreline apartments buildings, if you try to type 'shoreline' into the search engine you can probably find those...
The Russian
330
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 21 June 2012 - 22:57
Well, not really weird, if nowhere else does it you would just be doing a home version... lol... OK, now you got me googling it... :)
The Russian
330
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 21 June 2012 - 22:44
there was a very vigorous debate about fur recently (and I see the thread has been deleted for some reason). We were wondering if people living in cold climate wear the fur for warmth only or is it mainly as a fashion statement? The large number of fur shops in JBR carry some VERY expensive furs which makes me think that its more of an aesthetic statement than just practical. Can you enlighten us? In Russian winter, nothing will keep you as warm as fur will. But then people can of course choose if they want to make a fashion statement out of it and go for something expensive or keep it simple. Same as with any other clothes item :) I remember that thread but honestly, didn't want to re-start the debate - just want to know where I can keep it so that it doesn't get ruined.
The Russian
330
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Latest post on 21 June 2012 - 22:17
haha - furfridge? :-) might be a cool idea for business... ;-) I guess it should work, technically - but that's just a bit weird... ;-)
The Russian
330
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Latest post on 20 June 2012 - 14:32
Ibn Battuta Gate have the best kiddies' entertainment corner I've seen so far! But in case you want to keep an eye on your LOs make sure you book a table close to the kids area, otherwise you can end up quite far away. It is a nice brunch, we've been a few times already and will be back.
The Russian
330
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Latest post on 16 June 2012 - 21:24
suffering from the worst flu ever and yes heat makes it unbearable!! v. unusual experience shivering and sweating at the same time. i'm sure it's the ac's.
The Russian
330
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 13 June 2012 - 23:01
In addition to having your CV posted on job sites, keep targeting specific positions that are already advertised and make sure to follow up with phone calls. But tbh I'm still convinced it's not about what you know, it's about who you know. Use any chance to expand your social network and let a word out that you are looking for a job. "Contacts over contracts"!
The Russian
330
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Latest post on 10 June 2012 - 14:13
What about for children? I need to take DS. I took mine to a pediatric ophthalmologist at Moorfields. They seemed very professional and we decided to go along with their recommendations (we were there for a third opinion).The only thing is you'll probably have to wait for a few weeks to get an appointment...
The Russian
330
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 09 June 2012 - 21:22
Karma Cafe - great menu and best sushi I've had here so far
The Russian
330
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 03 June 2012 - 11:32
Phew - there's a visa center opening in the Wafi mall on the 5th. Just in case someone else might be interested. You can walk in without prior appointment for extra 150 dhs ('VIP' - haha). Good stuff!
The Russian
330
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Latest post on 03 June 2012 - 11:19
Ok. Thanks! Will try to reach them. Thanks again
The Russian
330
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Latest post on 03 June 2012 - 10:55
Really?? Well that's a bummer considering Spanish visa center is in Abu Dhabi... really???
The Russian
330
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 30 May 2012 - 22:37
If you decide she should be held responsible, I think you should charge the full amount. Then it's pretty straightforward - she caused the expense, she covers it, simple and fair. By paying half yourself you'd signal it's not about her actual fault/responsibility but more about teaching her a lesson which - I think - might just cause more anger and frustration. As someone else said you can always 'reimburse' the 200 dhs later on by paying her a bonus for good work or extra effort.
The Russian
330
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Latest post on 28 May 2012 - 23:29
Thanks so much for your comments girls. We discovered this issue back in January and in fact today was our third visit to an ophthalmologist - first time we were told to simply wait and see how it develops, second doctor prescribed glasses to be only used for exercising (for a couple of hours a day with one eye patched) but nothing for the correction of vision as such, and today at Moorfields he was checked again and lenses were discussed. For the precise reason that Kate and Bella described they would not suggest him wearing glasses - so basically we either start with the lenses or do exercises only to prevent the development of a 'lazy eye'. But exercises don't help the vision and I am not sure how much longer he'll manage with one eye blurry - so lenses do sound like a good option... I'm just freaking out a bit because that's a very new concept to us, I've never heard about little children wearing lenses before and I've no idea how this works in practice - well now I know there was at least one LO who managed well, thanks lal1
The Russian
330
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Latest post on 14 May 2012 - 15:57
haha these are some cool decoration ideas for the garden :) Thanks girls, will try that.. although afraid the scarecrow might be too cute to be scary ;)
The Russian
330
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Latest post on 14 May 2012 - 15:08
There's nothing outside - just pool and some furniture - seeds & bones are supplied from somewhere else...
The Russian
330
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Latest post on 07 May 2012 - 16:13
Hi, We have a 20-months old and a 3.5 years old in Kids Cottage and they really enjoy it. Not too big, very nice facilities with a lovely outdoor area, plenty of activities and staff are very friendly and helpful. Very happy with communication/feedback as well. They are also very flexible on days/hours you want/need, and even though our LO's are enrolled for the early class (till 1pm) they will always accommodate you if you need to have a late day every now and then (on a short notice, too). It's a lovely nursery and a happy environment, would highly recommend it. HTH
The Russian
330
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Latest post on 06 May 2012 - 16:47
Masses of people on Dubizzle offering this. Thanks - didn't think of it, will check as well.
The Russian
330
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 06 May 2012 - 15:55
Thanks a million!
 
 
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